Project brings pianos, musicians into children's hospitals

MINNEAPOLIS - A local organization is hoping that music will help cheer up kidsstaying atthe hospital.

The Ellen Project brings bright-colored, painted pianos to kids' bedsides so they can enjoy mini-concerts.

On Friday, a volunteer musician visited Amplatz Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Anthony Novak shared his piano skills with 17-year-old patient Kayla Cotton. Kayla was able to join in the fun and play her guitar.

The Ellen Project is named after a little girl who helped her sister through her fight with leukemia.

The group hopes to expand its project and bring pianos to dozens of children's hospitals around the country.

The Ellen Project is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 23. For more information on the event or the project itself, go to www.theellenproject.com.